Tag Archive for: Relocating

Cassidy Dauberman

A Personal Story from Our Marketing Associate – Moving Back Home to South Africa as an Expat

A Journey of Reflection

In the midst of a global pandemic, with uncertainty looming, I made a spontaneous decision that would alter the course of my life: I moved to the United Kingdom. Leaving behind sunny South Africa. I embarked on a journey into the unknown. I boarded the plane, excitement mingled with doubt, but I thought to myself there was no turning back now, as I had left with the mindset that I was not returning to South Africa.

I recall the exhilarating chill that welcomed me as I stepped off the plane, invigorating me to embrace the new adventures ahead, a stark contrast to the warmth I was accustomed to my whole life up until then. Despite the uncertainties, I was determined to make it work. Settling in the city centre, I navigated through closed streets due to lockdown and snowy sidewalks, adapting to a lifestyle vastly different from what I had known.

As lockdown restrictions lifted and life began to normalise, I couldn’t shake the feeling of longing for home. The cultural differences, the absence of familiar food, and most importantly, the yearning for family weighed heavily on my heart. Despite making great friends and building a life in the United Kingdom, I felt a sense of displacement, a longing for the belonging I once felt back home. Africa is a feeling. I cherished the sense of liberation, strolling through the streets without constraints, exploring local parks, utilising public transport, all while feeling reassured by the safety and security around me. Amidst all the opportunities, there were certainly challenges to embrace. Personally, navigating through the enriching experience of culture shock, a phenomenon no one warns you about, stood out as challenging, offering unexpected lessons and growth along the way.

A year into life in the United Kingdom, I made a visit back to South Africa to see family — a bittersweet reminder of the world I had left behind. The visit offered a meaningful glimpse into the essence of my roots. The vibrant beaches, the diversity of cultures, the boundless expanse of the ocean—each facet – resonated with a sense of home that the United Kingdom couldn’t quite replicate Africa, with its lasting mark on the soul, left me spellbound once more.

Upon return to the United Kingdom from the visit, bidding farewell proved to be the most challenging it had ever been—far surpassing my initial departure. Nevertheless, resuming life, continuing to nurture the life meticulously crafted in the United Kingdom. However, as the months went by, a palpable sense of longing enveloped me, a yearning for South Africa that became a constant presence in my thoughts, sparking regular contemplations of what life would be like back home.

The decision to return was certainly not made lightly. Months and months of contemplation, weighing the positives and negatives, led to one undeniable truth: there is no place like home. The pull of family, the richness of culture, the warm weather and the sense of belonging were irreplaceable.

On my return journey to South Africa, I pondered the invaluable lessons obtained from my time abroad. Embracing discomfort, confronting challenges directly, and cherishing fleeting moments of happiness profoundly shaped both my personal and professional growth. Not a single ounce of regret spoils my experiences. I genuinely savoured my time in the United Kingdom and all it offered. In fact, I wholeheartedly advocate for anyone with the chance to explore new horizons to seize the opportunity and embrace the journey.

For anyone considering a move, I offer these words of advice: do your research, brace yourself for culture shock, and allow yourself to feel the full spectrum of emotions. You will have good and bad days. Engage with your community, step out of your comfort zone, and seek support from Destination Service Providers. Push yourself to be brave and adventurous. Explore as you go and give yourself time to adjust to your new normal.

Every country has its pros and cons. Since moving and returning, I have a new outlook on South Africa because I learned to appreciate small things. On paper, South Africa is not a perfect country. I don’t blame people for leaving. The problem is, most people think the act of leaving is the solution, when really all they’re doing is trading one set of pros and cons for another.

Sometimes one can be too focused on what they don’t like about their home country while simultaneously taking the amazing aspects for granted. You only really understand the true value of these overlooked qualities when you’re on the other side of the world for a while. The problem is, once you’re in a new country, and once the rose-tinted glasses come off, there will be many other things you don’t like on that side of the world too.

The advice I will dish out is, make sure you relocate for the right reasons. Moving away may indeed be the best thing that you have ever done. I think the reason for this is simple. When you move, you will love it or hate it over time, depending on what you value. But again, you never just value one thing. And this is often why moving can be challenging.

Like most of us, I value safety, but I also value that warm South African spirit and friendliness, which is what makes it hard to live elsewhere.

I had a fantastic journey in the United Kingdom and am forever grateful to be able to explore and visit other countries whilst living there, but as for now, settling back into the familiar rhythm of life, my heart is filled with gratitude for the experiences gained and the memories made. Home truly is where the heart belongs, and for me right now, that is in South Africa.

 

Since moving back to South Africa, I have been delighted to be part of a team specialising in mobility, immigration, remuneration, and research services. I’ve gained invaluable insights into relocation and expatriate life—knowledge I wish I had possessed earlier. If you’re seeking guidance or information on relocating or any related queries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to offer support and assistance every step of the way, helping you embrace the unknown.

https://www.relocationafrica.com

Connect with me here

 

Written by Cassidy Dauberman

Cassidy Dauberman
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Mali – Travel Guide

Facts to assist you when travelling to Mali 

 

Mali population 

  • 23.3 million  

Capital and Largest City 

  • Bamako. 

Official Language(s) 

  • French. 

Currency 

  • West African CFA franc. 

Office Hours 

  • 07:30 – 16:00. 

Weekend 

  • Saturday – Sunday. 

Time Zone 

  • UTC.  

Calling Code 

  • +223. 

Tipping 

  • If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable. 

Embassies 

  • Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city. 

Government 

  • Colonel Assimi Goïta has been interim President of Mali as of 28 May 2021.  

Climate 

  • Mali is known to be one of the hottest countries in the world! The thermal equator, which matches the hottest spots year-round on the planet based on the mean daily annual temperature, crosses the country. Most of Mali receives negligible rainfall, and droughts are very frequent. Late June to early December is the rainy season in the southernmost area. During this time, flooding of the Niger River is common, creating the Inner Niger Delta. During the hottest season of the year, temperatures are high throughout the country. Timbuktu, Taoudenni, Araouane, Gao, Kidal, Tessalit are some of the hottest spots on Earth during their warmest months. 

Transport 

  • The main airport in Mali is the Lilongwe International Airport, located in Lilongwe. Mali’s transportation infrastructure is regarded as poor, even by regional standards, and deficiencies have limited economic growth and development. Mali has one railroad, including 729 kilometres in Mali, which runs from the port of Koulikoro via Bamako to the border with Senegal and continues on to Dakar. Mali’s main economic link to the coast is a paved road between Bamako and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire. Because rate of automobile ownership is low, and formal government run public transit is sparse, informal buses and taxis abound in Malian urban centres. 

Economy 

  • Mali’s main industries include mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. 

Hospitality 

  • A common gesture in Mali that foreigners might not be familiar with, and might confuse them, is pursing your lips and making a buzzing sound, which means “nothing.” Unlike in western societies where burping is considered rude, in Mali, burping is considered a sign that one has enjoyed their meal. Often times, the cook or host will even consider burping a compliment. It is also impolite to shake hands or to eat with the left hand. 

Greetings 

  • Men shake hands when greeting one another. It is common to put your right hand to your chest, and this is a sign of respect. When meeting with longtime friends a hug is the common form of greeting. Women also shake hands with other female strangers and acquaintances. A verbal hello is appropriate as well. Close female friends will hug one another. It is not appropriate for people of the opposite sex to shake hands or hug. In such a case, a verbal greeting will suffice.  

Money 

  • The currency of Mali is the West African franc (XOF). The XOF is also the currency of six other independent states in Western Africa, such as Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. 

Transportation 

  • Foreign visitors who want to drive in Mali must have valid drivers license issued by the country of their residence. Driving in Mali is on the right-hand side of the road, and the minimum age for driving is 21. It is not permitted to use a handheld mobile phone whistle driving, and drivers caught doing this will face consequences accordingly. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also prohibited. 

Safety 

  • Mali is a developing African country and is one of the poorest countries in the world. Due to its high levels of poverty, Mali also has high crime rates and is therefore not a particularly safe country. Transport isn’t safe in Mali as Malian roads and vehicles are often unsafe and unreliable. Some drivers can be reckless and ignore traffic signs, and at random times there can also be cattle roaming on the roads. Visitors should be careful about displaying wealth or any belongings in public. Avoid walking unaccompanied in Mali altogether, be it during day or night. 

Culture 

  • Mali is home to many different tribes and ethnic groups. The largest of these groups is the Bambara, which accounts for 31% of the population. Other smaller ethnic groups include the Fula Macina, Soninke, Sanghai, and the Dogon (5%). Mali is a Muslim country. Approximately 90% of the country’s population ascribe to the Sunni Muslim faith. Minority religions in Mali include Christianity, most of which identify with the Catholic or Protestant denominations.  

Shops 

  • Due to it being a poor nation, Mali unfortunately does not have many grand modern shopping malls and amenities like that of which can be found in western countries. However, the country does have a number of supermarkets and shops where locals and visitors can get everything they need. 

 

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Saudika Hendricks
,

Gambia – Travel Guide

Facts to assist you while travelling to Gambia.

 

Gambian population

  • 7 million.

Capital and Largest City

  • Banjul.

Official Language(s)

  • English.

Currency

  • Dalasi.

Office Hours

  • 09:00 – 17:00.

Weekend

  • Saturday – Sunday.

Time Zone

  • UTC.

Calling Code

  • +220.

Tipping

  • If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable.

Embassies

  • Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city.

Government

  • Adama Barrow is a Gambian politician and real estate developer who has served as President of the Gambia since 2017.

Climate

  • Gambia has a tropical climate. The hot and rainy season normally lasts from June until November. Thereafter, from December until May, cooler temperatures predominate, and precipitation decreases. The climate in The Gambia closely resembles that of neighbouring Senegal, of southern Mali, and of the northern part of Benin.

Transport

  • The main airport in Gambia is the Banjul International Airport, located in its capital city. The system of transportation in Gambia mixes both public and private operations and consists of a system of roads that are both paved and unpaved, water and air transportation. There are no railways in the country.

Economy

  • Gambia’s main industries that contribute towards its GDP include mining, processing peanuts, fish, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, and clothing.

Hospitality

  • The ethnic groups that reside in Gambia prioritise tranquility of life, and their manners and actions tend to ease the attainment of that goal. Regardless of ethnicity, Gambians are often soft-spoken and gentle in demeanor. They avoid unnecessary conflicts and strive toward quiet settlement of disputes.

Greetings

  • A common handshake between two men occurs with the right hand and tends to linger for a bit. Handshakes may also be accompanied by an intimate and polite touching of the forearm or upper arm. Older people are greeted first, typically by saying ‘’Asalaamalekum’’. With women, a verbal greeting tends to suffice. It may be accompanied by a handshake, and this is acceptable, but not expected. The elder woman usually leads the greeting. Due to most of the population practicing Islam, refrain from greeting the opposite sex. Verbal greetings are sufficient but try to avoid direct eye contact. It is taboo for religiously observant Muslim men to touch women and vice-versa.

Money

  • The official currency of Gambia is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD), which is subdivided into 100 bututs. The country has a cash-based economy, so while you may find a number of hotels and restaurants that accept visa debit cards, not many will take credit card payments.

Transportation

  • One of the major challenges faced by people travelling to Gambia is getting around the country by road and crossing the river safely by boat. Most roads in the country are in a poor condition that often worsens during the rainy season. There is no existing public transport system and Gambian drivers have varying levels of skill and respect for basic road rules. Many of them do not make use of the vehicle’s headlights at night, especially in areas that actually have streetlights, like the capital city. Drunk driving is also a frequent occurrence amongst citizens and traffic laws and regulations are not properly implemented.

Safety

  • Gambia is known as the Smiling Coast of Africa due to its reputation for positivity and good vibes. While the country is reported to be safe, crimes do occur. Most crimes that take place are petty crimes such as pickpocketing, scams and theft. However, it is not common that visitors are targeted, and most people who visited Gambia have not experienced any crime whatsoever. It is important that you practice vigilance and take precautions.

Culture

  • Gambia is a multiethnic country. The country’s most prominent ethnic groups include the Fula, Jola, Mandinka, Serahule, and Wolof. These groups coexist in the same regions, and there is no part of The Gambia that is inhabited by one single ethnic group. This has led to the sharing and mixing of cultural traits among the groups, which has in turn led to a movement toward a Gambian national culture. Islam is the biggest religion in Gambia, with Muslims making up 90 percent of the country’s population. There is also a small group of Christian followers, as well as an even smaller group of locals who still practice traditional and indigenous religions.

Shops

  • There are many supermarkets in and towards the city spaces that are well-stocked with imported food, as well as malls and shopping centres. Shops are open from 9am and usually close only after 7pm, from Monday to Saturday.

 

 

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Sisipho Ntsabo
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Relocation Africa Immigration: SA Citizenship

Are you a SA citizen and planning to apply for British citizenship, or citizenship of any other country ? If so, we can assist you with ensuring that you retain you right to SA citizenship.

Our Immigration Expert, Tracy du Plessis is here to help you!

Please read below and head over to our website for more on any immigration needs: https://lnkd.in/dHv37hM